Page 30 of Resist Me (Forget the Past 3)

I need a husband right now.

A quarter of a million dollars.

Mike’s quote still has my mouth going dry and heart pounding hard. According to my uncle, Leo brings in such regular product that the business would take a hit if my brother were to walk out. But Mike would let my twin go for the price of $250,000.

I have money in my savings, but nowhere near that.

Unless I count my grandmother’s inheritance.

Wai Po’s money would more than cover that amount. But only if I get married before I’m thirty.

Well, married and a few other things. There were more stipulations the lawyer didn’t bother to read after my dismissing that first crucial requirement.

Leo’s face flashes in my mind. His hopeless expression when I told him about Dash’s wedding.

Our little brother is speaking heartfelt vows to the woman he loves, and Leo is missing it because he can’t get out from under Mike’s thumb. Can’t imagine a future where he’s not living a criminal life.

But I could secure his freedom.

“Do you have the rings?” Marianna’s question returns me to the present, and I reach into my pocket for the wedding bands Dash entrusted me with. The designs are simple, just a silver circle like Paige requested. But my brother asked the jeweler to add something extra. On the inside of the band sits a minuscule paw print.

After I pass him the rings, Dash holds them up to show his almost-wife. She lets out a delighted gasp, then eagerly shoves her hand forward.

Is there anyone in the world I would trust enough to let them put a ring on my finger?

After Mike spoke that astronomical number and I accepted that my grandmother’s money was the only way to pay for Leo’s freedom, I started cycling through all the people I’ve ever known, vetting them as potential temporary spouses. As long as one of the stipulations isn’t that the two of us never get divorced, I don’t see why I can’t just get married for a brief time. Long enough to collect the inheritance legally.

Immediately, I ruled out everyone I met before the age of eighteen. Almost every single one I met through my parents, which meant they were more likely to steal the money for themselves than let a cent go for my brother.

There must be some level of trust in a fake marriage.

No one from my college days stands out in my mind. None that are still single anyway. Momentarily, I considered approaching one of my clients. Most of the people I work with have A or B-list stardom, mainly from the country music scene. They tend to make seven figures or more, so what would my inheritance matter to them?

The problem with that route is trying to convince a celebrity that the marriage is about me getting access to my money rather than theirs. I’d have to work hard to prove to them I’m not a gold digger or a fame hound.

I don’t have much time.

“I now pronounce you Paige Lamont Herbert and Dash Herbert Lamont.” Marianna’s musical voice fills the backyard, ringing with joy. “You may kiss each other.”

The gathering erupts with cheers, and I push away thoughts of my problems long enough to celebrate with everyone else. This day is about the happy couple. I need to focus on my role as Best Woman. Take note from my counterpart Charlie, who’s rocking his role as Paige’s Man of Honor.

He pumps his arm in the air as Dash dips Paige low. Petals rain down from the bouquet Charlie holds for his friend, and I appreciate how committed the man is. Never once has he shied away from responsibilities normally handed off to a female friend. Apparently, after their brunch, the two went to the nail salon together. I’m betting the guy would do anything for his friend.

Absolutely anything.

The thought snags on a sharp corner of my mind, and I stare at the Man of Honor as the bride and groom straighten, waving to their cheering audience.

Charlie is a good guy.

Anyone who spends any time around him would see it. He doesn’t care about conforming to societal expectations of a man. He knows how to laugh at himself, instead of blowing up when a woman spills coffee and then chewed banana on his nice shirt. He literally fell off the side of a boat and refused to let that ruin Paige and Dash’s pre-wedding party.

Plus, Pumpkin likes him.

All of these small things are ringing endorsements that I consider as I accept Charlie’s offered elbow and the two of us walk side by side down the aisle behind my brother and my new sister-in-law.

“They’re perfect for each other.” Charlie grins down at me.

“Yeah. They are.”

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